---

Blurb This study is carried out to analyse the impact of the global financial crisis on the performance of the investments of pension funds, in particular the investment portfolio of the Parastatal Pensions Fund. The global financial crisis affected most countries, including Tanzania, which translated into slower growth of the economy. The researchers therefore hypothesized that as the domestic economy slows down jobs might be lost as firms/industries cut back on output. Pension funds may earn less contribution income while having to pay out more withdrawal benefits, thus limiting the ability of the Fund to invest. Furthermore the investment portfolio of the Fund would underperform as the Fund earns less dividend income and experiences a decline or slower growth of occupancy rates in its real estate properties during the crisis period.

---

Harold M. L. Utouh is a senior lecturer in Economics and computing at Mzumbe University, Tanzania. He holds a BSc. Economics, Post Graduate Diploma in International Trade and Finance and MA (International Econ.) from University of Havana. Kimwaga Mhando is an Economist, with Bachelor of Science in Economics, from Mzumbe University.

---